So This is Love [On-going]

Chapter Seven: Critic

Flynn still couldn't believe that Monica rejected her offer without a blink of an eye. He had already told her that both of them would benefit from the deal. It's like collaboration but only he will go in front of the camera. That was Flynn's plan; he just failed to get Monica’s approval.

Monica Leanne Nina; even her name irks me now. I hate this kind of feeling!

Flynn headed to his home bar and chose a whisky to drink from the huge alcoholic drink collection. He believes that only alcohol will help him forget the day when he gets rejected. Flynn chose his favorite brand of whisky. He put ice in the glass and then poured whiskey into it. He poured the whisky and then held the glass tightly.

Flynn knows that he's lacking in persuasion. He needed to think of a better plan to make to be able to get Monica's sweet positive answer. But how could he possibly persuade Monica?

I have to do anything I can because it's my career that will suffer at the end of the day.

It's raining but the people who entered the Molecules Café are still not reducing. Everyone is enjoying their new menu and some have their take-out. Molen could not have imagined that they would have a bunch of customers after they posted the short clips on their social media accounts. Her cellphone keeps on ringing due to some online orders. There are also a few riders from the food service app outside. It’s a complete jam-pack day for Molecules Café.

“We’re full house now, Molen. There are a few customers outside waiting for their turn,” Vina, who just came in to tell them the news about their little success.

"This is too much for a day and I hope they'll continue to come," Molen told her cousins.

Every day they plan out what new dishes can be put on their menu. She took some from her mother's cookbook and has her recipe to balance everything. When it comes to drinking, they make it tastier – to pass on the taste of their customers, especially children. Many enjoyed their customized donuts and pancakes; that's why there are more sales today.

“Let’s make soufflés and create toppings for them. I think they will gush over again because of that,” Abbey's suggestion.

"I haven't tried making one but I will practice later," he said, then finishing the rider’s order who was waiting outside. "I will deliver some of the orders personally nearby, okay?"

"Okay!"

Molen smiled as her cousins ​​and some of his café staff responded to her at the same time. She prepared the order to be delivered and then said goodbye to her comrades when she finished preparing. The delivery address is close to their place and she would personally bring it even though they had a vacant place outside to ask for some reviews. She can use that in their review corners and that will help their business boost its sales and online engagements.

Because of the sudden flood of customers, Molen was able to re-hire some of her staff from before. They agreed to return because they do not have a job that is difficult to find nowadays. Molen rode his electric bike after wearing a raincoat and placed the orders she would deliver in a thermal bag in the bike’s basket.

She called the customer before leaving to confirm if someone would pay and receive the orders in the office. Molen was a bit skeptical, especially since it was the first time they had received orders online. Bogus buyers are also in vogue and she doesn't want to be encountered any. Not this time.

The customer ordered two flavors of their chicken wings, four smoothies, and two dozen special donuts. It’s a big amount so she has made sure that they will pay. Molen got off her electric bike when she reached the delivery address. The wind danced on her white floral flowy dress. She fixed her hair after removing the raincoat and then smiled when she greeted the guard.

"Let's see if he's going to pay for these huge orders he made a while ago." Molen took a deep breath and went straight inside. “Uhm, hi! I received an order from this address via phone call earlier and I'm here to deliver these.”

“Oh? Hi! Wait for a second and I'll go check if their meeting is done.”

"All right. Thank you!"

The place has a beautiful design throughout the office; from the large chandeliers and murals to world-class furniture used everywhere. The owner of the office earns more than the average income. Outside, she noticed the gothic designs of each beam and paint used to bring a homey ambiance. Molen looked around and noticed several pictures hanging on the wall. All the celebrities, including Flynn Sandoval, have a picture of the tall man in the middle.

Who is he exactly?

“Thank you so much for stopping by Flynn. We'll make sure to carefully study your proposal. It's business and both of us don't want to be a failure.”

Molen's attention was focused on the speaker. When Molen heard Flynn’s name, she wanted to leave immediately. Why is it that where she is, Flynn is also there? Molen refuses to accept that destiny is playing her.

“It's a great pleasure to do business with you, Mr. Yuchengco, and a great honor to feature the world-renowned chef in town,”

“I’m thinking about collaboration with small business owners and oh, I think she’s here. I saw her online post and it's delectable, so I want to include her dishes in our project.”

Oh my God, they're coming! What should I do? I’m still not sure if I’m the one he’s referring to.

“Ms. Monica? Mr. Yuchengco is ready for you,” the receptionist said, making her sashay her glance at the two guys. She took a deep breath and followed the woman who had talked to her.

“Ms. Tejada is finally in the flesh. I’m Calix Yuchengco and I’m glad to do business with you. Have you brought my orders?” Mr. Yuchengco asked. She hesitated to answer at first, especially as she focused her gaze on Flynn, whose lips were covered with a sly smile.

Damn destiny!

“Uhm, y-yes, it's two thousand two hundred pesos,” she said.

“Trixie, please fix the p*****t for Ms. Tejada,” the gentleman asked the receptionist Molen had talked to earlier. “Do you have time today, Flynn? I'm thinking of considering your proposal now that I have found a gem. ”

“Really? That's great and yeah, I have time to spare for both of you. ”

"That's cool!" said the man who was about to change Molen's future.

Is she ready for it?

Molen is nervous. She couldn’t understand how it felt right now. She is sitting right beside her nemesis and Molen thinks that heaven is playing with them.

"Monica..."

"Call me Molen,"

"I prefer Monica, okay?" She rolled her eyes at him. Her mood only changed when Mr. Yuchengco entered the conference room. “He’s interested in investing. See this, Monica? This is what I'll tell you when you've become my researcher.”

Flynn just whispered and she was terrified. She tried to ignore it but the young man's aura was too strong.

"Whatever, Sandoval!"

Flynn chuckled. She just stared and focused on Mr. Yuchengco.

“Okay. Let's make some introduction,” Mr. Yuchengco said to the two of them.

“I think that’s not necessary for either of us. We knew each other and I think she knew you already, Calix.” Molen glared at Flynn again and smiled when she turned to Mr. Yuchengco.

"Sort of love history?" Calix asked.

“No! We're enemies, but if I benefit from this project, I'll consider forgiving him,” Molen answered.

“Old flames ... But yeah, you'll benefit from this. Now let's taste the food you brought us today. Flynn has been in business since he graduated from college, despite his real business, which is an oil company. He has tasted a lot of food around the world and he knows what is best and what is not.”

His head grows when he is always praised...

They started tasting Molen's cooking and she had to admit that she was nervous. Flynn will be the one to taste and she doesn't want to be told that her dish is rubbish again.

“What spices did you use, Molen?” Calix asked.

“It’s a homemade herb that my Nana made from leaves she’s planting at the back of our house. I combined it with the spices I bought online. The typical spices like hot paprika, garlic powder for the garlic parmesan wings, onion powder.” Molen explained carefully how she made the chicken wings that Calix ordered.

“Efficient and excellent though it’s a little salty, the chicken meat is surprisingly tender. It absorbs the spices you put in to make this dish.” Calix looked at Flynn. “What do you think, Flynn? Oh wait, it’s okay if we criticize your dish, right?”

"Yeah, it's okay." For investment, Molen will swallow it all. It’s a dream that she and her cousin have been waiting for, even though there is a possibility that she will work with Flynn Sandoval.

“It’s not that bland to me, but yeah, a little salty, and I think she must adjust the flavor. Though a lot of people love salty food,” Flynn commented.

Molen didn't know if she would breathe a sigh of relief after hearing Flynn's review. It's not all over with chicken wings. There was more food for her companions to taste and she felt her hand already soaking wet. Calix left them for a while because someone called on his cellphone and her nervousness reduced a bit.

“Be honest with me, Flynn. Do you do anything?”

“Yeah, except this one, because I’m not fond of smoothies but a lot of people like them. I think you have to add some regular refreshers for people like me,”

Molen mentally remembered his comment. He looked at it suddenly when he heard it laugh.

“What? I'm taking your advice seriously, but it doesn't mean I will accept your previous comment.”

“Have you tasted that dessert you brought to me before? Something is missing in it. Try making another set and I will tell you what's missing.”

Will he allow this to happen? Molen wanted to know what was missing there and how the taste turned out to be rubbish. She hasn’t gone back to that because she’s too busy with new dishes that many customers liked.

"Are you serious or you're just playing with me?"

“I’m serious, Monica. Can you have a little trust in me? ”

Can I trust him?